SA on ‘dangerous course’ if corruption continues unchecked, warns Advocate Arendse



Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee chief evidence leader, Advocate Norman Arendse SC, has warned that South Africa is at a “critical juncture in our democracy” and must act decisively to root out systemic corruption that threatens the integrity of key state institutions.

Arendse made the remarks during his opening statement at the committee’s public hearings into explosive allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, regarding the alleged infiltration of law enforcement and intelligence structures by a powerful crime syndicate.

Addressing the committee, Arendse warned that unless the country confronts entrenched criminality and political interference in its justice system, all the gains of democracy may become “little more than the shifting sands of illusion.”

He said the committee was not merely tasked with investigating wrongdoing, but with restoring public trust and safeguarding the constitutional values of justice and accountability.

“It is often said that success should be the natural reward for hard work, initiative, and moral uprightness,” Arendse said.

“The opposite can also be true, and such is the urgency of the challenge we face. We need a collective sense of mission to change mindsets and to steer the nation away from a dangerous course.”

He was quoting from a 1995 speech by former president Nelson Mandela at the Business Initiative Against Corruption and Crime, adding that South Africa had failed to heal the “wounds of moral decay” Mandela had spoken about more than 30 years ago.

“Since our past president’s speech in 1995, we have failed to heal the wounds he refers to, and our fight against corruption has floundered,” said Arendse.

“Various attempts have been made to address the scourge of corruption, most notably the Commission of Enquiry into State Capture, the so-called Zondo Commission.

He said the Zondo Commission revealed how politically connected individuals manipulated public procurement, SOEs, and law enforcement for private gain.

Arendse also referred to the Nugent Commission, noting that these efforts exposed breaches of Section 195 of the Constitution, which demands ethical and professional public administration.

Parliament established the Ad Hoc Committee in July after Mkhwanazi made serious public allegations, including claims of political interference in efforts to dismantle the police’s Political Killings Task Team.

Mkhwanazi also alleged links between senior officials and organised drug cartels, which he said had infiltrated various arms of the criminal justice system, including the SAPS, Metro Police, Correctional Services, the National Prosecuting Authority, and even the judiciary.

“These allegations demand a thorough and unflinching examination,” Arendse told the committee.

He said the committee’s mandate included investigating possible corruption involving suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, former Minister Bheki Cele, SAPS senior officials, including General Shadrack Sibiya and National Commissioner Fannie Masemola, and the alleged R360 million SAPS healthcare procurement contract with Medicare24 Tshwane District linked to businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.

The committee is also probing alleged prosecutorial interference by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) and the role of MPs in handling classified information and potential links to criminal syndicates.

“Our inquiry must also consider whether Parliament’s own oversight mechanisms have been effective in addressing these issues,” said Arendse.

“Not only is this Committee required to analyse and diagnose the problems and the causes of those problems but also to propose forward-looking measures to strengthen interagency coordination within the criminal justice system.”

Arendse stressed that the committee was constitutionally bound to uphold the principles of legality, fairness, and justice.

“Ultimately, this Committee’s task is not merely to conduct an investigation. It must safeguard the integrity of our institutions, to restore public confidence and trust, and to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law.”

The first phase of the inquiry will call key witnesses, including Mkhwanazi, National Commissioner Masemola,  Mchunu, Cele, Cachalia, Sibiya, and Deputy Ministers Cassel Mathale and Shela Boshielo.

Arendse also said the Committee will determine and select witnesses to be called during the second phase of the hearings.

Arendse also reminded those appearing before the committee that Section 16 of the Powers and Privileges Act compels witnesses to answer all lawful questions and produce required documents, even if such evidence could incriminate them.

However, he noted that testimony given under oath in Parliament cannot be used against witnesses in any court, except in cases of perjury.

”Witnesses are, however, protected in that evidence given under oath or affirmation before this Committee may not be used against them in any court or place outside Parliament, except in criminal proceedings concerning a charge of perjury or relating to the evidence or documents required in these proceedings”

“We remain committed to transparency, unwavering in our pursuit of the truth,” Arendse said. 

hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za

IOL Politics

 

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